Lower limbs
Tibia fracture
by Uperform
The tibia is a bone that articulates with the femur at the knee and the astragalus at the ankle. It is one of the two bones of the leg (along with the fibula or fibula).
1) A LITTLE ANATOMY:
The tibia is a bone that articulates with the femur at the knee and the astragalus at the ankle. It is one of the two bones of the leg (along with the fibula or fibula).
At its upper part (knee joint) and at its lower part (ankle joint), it is covered with cartilage.
2) WHEN IS A FRACTURE? WHAT ARE THE DAMAGE MECHANISMS?
In the event of trauma, most of the time violent, this bone can break. There are 3 main types of fractures:
Direct shock fractures, accompanied by damage to soft tissues surrounding the area and increasing the risk of opening the fracture site
Indirect impact fractures, causing the bone to twist, stretch or collapse
Pathological fractures occurring on bones already weakened by an existing pathology (tumor, infection, etc.)
Along with this, fractures are differentiated:
Open, for which one or more bone fragments have passed through the skin and the fracture site is in contact with the outside
Closed, for which the fracture site does not communicate with the outside
Radiographically, the fracture line can look different:
Transverse
Oblique
Spiroid (helical)
comminutive
Finally, in certain violent traumas, it is possible that the bone of the fibula (fibula) is also fractured, making the situation all the more serious.
3) WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
The signs are usually obvious and occur as soon as the traumatic event occurs. There is intense pain, associated with functional impotence (impossible to walk) and a possible hematoma.
In some cases, a deformation of the injured area is visible.
4) IS IT SERIOUS?
The fracture of the tibia is a serious pathology.
It produces severe pain in the subject, and requires immediate treatment in order to avoid complications and hope for the best possible results in terms of recovery of leg function.
5) IS SURGERY MANDATORY?
The type of lesion determines the type of care. In the case of a non-displaced fracture, the treatment can sometimes be non-surgical, relying then on immobilization and radiological monitoring. A period without support on the leg will have to be respected, corresponding to the time of consolidation of this one (4 to 6 weeks in a general way).
In more severe cases, it is necessary to resort to surgery. The latter will realign the fracture line and fix it in order to allow consolidation.
6) HOW DOES REHABILITATION TAKE PLACE?
After the operation, the leg is first immobilized for 4 to 6 weeks (sometimes longer) using a cast.
The physiotherapy sessions then start in order to regain the full functionality of the leg.
Respecting the healing process, work will focus on:
Recovery of normal joint amplitudes
Gradual rehabilitation of the joint
Recovery of a correct gait pattern
Overall muscle strengthening (strength, neuromuscular control, stability, etc.)
Re-athleticization and rehabilitation in the sporting gesture
7) WILL I RETURN TO MY PRE-INJURY LEVEL?
This pathology is important and needs to be taken seriously from the start. However, provided you follow the instructions and recommendations provided by your surgeon and your therapist, it is possible to return to normal sports activity, even if this will take place after several months of rehabilitation.
8) WHAT CAN I DO TO SPEED UP THE PROCESS?
You are the main actor of your rehabilitation.
In order to speed up the healing process, be sure to follow the recommendations of the health professionals with whom you work.
Laziness or, on the contrary, overzealousness, will be your enemies.
Conversely, discipline, rigor, perseverance as well as a positive and voluntary state of mind will help you get back in top shape as soon as possible!